Faith Over Fear: The Example of Caleb and Joshua
A Reflection on Numbers 13–14
Life is filled with moments where we must choose between faith and fear. Often, God calls us to step forward in obedience, but obstacles loom large, dangers feel overwhelming, and uncertainty grips our hearts.
This was precisely the situation facing Israel in Numbers 13–14. God had promised them a land flowing with milk and honey, but when the time came to enter, the people shrank back in fear—except for two men: Caleb and Joshua.
While ten of the twelve spies focused on the obstacles, Caleb and Joshua focused on God’s instructions, purposes, and power. They believed that God’s way was always the best way—even when it looked difficult.
Their story challenges us today: Will we trust God and move forward in faith, or will we allow fear to hold us back?
1. They Focused on God's Instructions Rather Than Their Own Assessments
Before Israel reached the Promised Land, God had already given them clear instructions:
“I am giving it to the sons of Israel.” (Numbers 13:2, NASB)
The land was already theirs, by God’s promise. Their role was simply to trust and obey. But when the twelve spies returned from scouting the land, ten of them focused on the giants, fortified cities, and military strength of the inhabitants (Numbers 13:28-29).
Instead of viewing the land through the lens of God’s promise, they viewed it through the lens of their own human limitations. They saw problems instead of possibilities.
But Caleb refused to let fear dictate his response. Instead, he focused on what God had already said:
“We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we will certainly prevail over it.” (Numbers 13:30, NASB)
Caleb didn’t deny that there were challenges, but he understood that obedience is not about evaluating whether God’s instructions are easy—it’s about trusting that His commands are always right.
What About Us?
How often do we hesitate to follow God because we first want to evaluate the risks?
We know God calls us to share the gospel, but we fear rejection.
We know He calls us to forgive, but we fear vulnerability.
We know He calls us to step out in faith, but we fear failure.
Caleb and Joshua remind us that God’s instructions should determine our decisions, not our personal assessments.
2. They Focused on God’s Purposes Rather Than Human Fears
The ten fearful spies said:
“We are not able to go up against the people because they are too strong for us.” (Numbers 13:31, NASB)
Their conclusion was based on human strength alone—but God had already revealed His purpose! He had delivered them from Egypt, guided them through the wilderness, and promised them this land.
Joshua and Caleb understood that God’s purposes always prevail. That’s why they boldly declared:
“If the Lord is pleased with us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us—a land which flows with milk and honey.” (Numbers 14:8, NASB)
They didn’t deny the challenges, but they viewed them through the filter of God’s greater purpose.
What About Us?
When God calls us to something difficult, do we ask:
“Is this safe?” or “Is this God’s will?”
“What if I fail?” or “What will God accomplish?”
Caleb and Joshua chose to trust God’s purpose, even when it looked risky.
3. They Focused on God’s Power Rather Than Their Own Limitations
The ten spies saw giants. Caleb and Joshua saw God’s power.
“Do not fear the people of the land… their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us.” (Numbers 14:9, NASB)
What a powerful perspective! Caleb and Joshua were not blind to reality—they simply knew that God’s power was greater than any obstacle.
The other spies focused on what they lacked:
“We also saw the Nephilim there… and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight.” (Numbers 13:33, NASB)
This is what fear does—it magnifies our weaknesses and shrinks our faith. But Caleb and Joshua focused on what God could do, not what they couldn’t do.
What About Us?
Do we hesitate to follow God because we feel too weak, too small, or too incapable?
Faith is not about how strong we are—it’s about how powerful God is!
4. They Understood That God Uses the Very Things We Fear for Our Benefit
Perhaps the most profound statement from Caleb and Joshua is found in Numbers 14:9:
“Do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our bread.” (Numbers 14:9, NASB)
What does this mean?
The very giants the people feared would actually be to their benefit—they would be “bread” for them! In other words, instead of destroying them, these challenges would strengthen, sustain, and prepare them for God’s greater purposes.
God Uses the Things We Fear to Strengthen Us
This is a profound truth: God often turns the very trials we fear into the tools that shape us the most.
David faced Goliath—but that victory prepared him to be king.
Joseph was betrayed—but that suffering led to his exaltation in Egypt.
Paul was imprisoned—but from prison, he wrote much of the New Testament.
What giants are you afraid of? Could it be that God intends them to be "bread" for you—a means of strengthening and preparing you for what’s ahead?
Instead of fearing trials, we should embrace them as opportunities for growth.
5. They Focused on the Good That Would Come from Following God
Fear causes us to romanticize the past and resist change. The Israelites actually wanted to go back to Egypt(Numbers 14:3).
But Caleb and Joshua saw the goodness of God’s plan. They knew that the hardships of obedience would be worth it because God’s promises never fail.
What About Us?
Do we resist when God calls us forward because we are more comfortable staying where we are?
It’s easier to stay silent than to speak the truth.
It’s easier to hold onto grudges than to forgive.
It’s easier to keep our faith private than to live boldly.
But God’s best blessings lie on the other side of obedience.
Conclusion: Faith Over Fear
Caleb and Joshua were outnumbered, but they were not deterred. They knew that faith in God’s promises is greater than the fear of obstacles.
God calls us to move forward in faith—not because we understand everything, but because we trust the One who does.
“The Lord is with us; do not fear them.” (Numbers 14:9, NASB)
What giants in your life might actually be “bread” that God is using to strengthen you?